Running a dance studio in the summer can feel like waiting for rain in a drought. Regular classes slow down, kids disappear into vacations, and your space feels emptier than you’d like. But it doesn’t have to.
Summer is your chance to stay active, present, and creative while building a stronger dance community around your studio. And one of the best ways to do that? Summer dance camps.
Not just more classes. Not just something usual to keep kids busy. But a summer program that sells out and makes your studio the place dancers and parents talk about long after the heat wave ends.
Summer dance camps are more than just extra income
Summer dance camps are more than just a stopgap to keep tuition flowing. When done well, they can:
- Strengthen relationships with your current students.
- Attract brand-new students who might become year-round members.
- Give your instructors a chance to try creative ideas and connect differently.
- Keep your studio top of mind in your community.
As a studio owner, you already know your business isn’t just about teaching steps; it’s about creating experiences. Summer is the perfect season to lean into that.
Here’s how to turn these slow months into an opportunity you can look forward to.
Don’t just offer summer dance classes. Offer an experience
This is where many studios miss the mark. They simply extend their normal classes into summer and wonder why attendance drops.
Here’s what makes a difference: families want summer to feel like summer. Fun. Special, different.
So, don’t just give them more of the same. Give them something they can’t resist: A camp experience with a theme, a vibe, and a little magic.
Make it special, not just seasonal
Frame your camps as events, not just lessons.
- Create clear start and end dates so they feel like a limited-time opportunity.
- Offer a parent showcase or fun performance at the end.
- Add little extras, like themed crafts, games, or even snack time, that make it feel like more than class.
You’re not just selling a class. You’re selling an unforgettable summer memory.
Creative camp ideas that actually work
Now, let’s get specific. No more vague “hip-hop, ballet, jazz” lists. Here are a few fun, creative, and realistic summer dance camp ideas that can fit almost any studio and make your flyers pop.
For younger dancers
To keep the young spirits hooked, here’s what can work well:
- Princess & Pirates Dance Adventure: A whimsical camp full of ballet, creative movement, and storytelling. End with a mini-performance in costume.
- Cartoon stars hip-hop jam: Use familiar cartoon songs and characters to teach rhythm and basic hip-hop in a fun, low-pressure way.
For tweens and teens
Gen-Z is already a huge fan of TikTok trends, and offering something around those trendy moves is a great start. Here’s something that can work:
- TikTok Choreo & Reel Camp: Capitalize on what they already love. Teach them how to create content while learning solid techniques.
- Broadway bootcamp: Jazz, acting, and stage presence rolled into one. Wrap up with a showcase of a number from a popular show.
For all ages
Make dance fun for all. And ideas that work best are:
- Glow in the dark dance: A week of high-energy choreography that ends with a blacklight recital. Easy to execute, but unforgettable.
- Acro & tricks intensive: Perfect for competition dancers looking to level up their skills during summer break.
Each of these ideas gives dancers a reason to come back every day and parents a story to tell their friends.
How to keep camps simple, fun, and profitable
Running summer camps doesn’t have to mean more stress for you or your staff. A few thoughtful steps can make the experience smooth:
Plan your capacity and schedule wisely
Decide how many students you can realistically serve per camp and stick to it. Overcrowding can ruin the experience for everyone. Keep camps to 3-4 hours if you’re serving younger kids.
Take deposits upfront
It’s summer. Families change plans fast. Secure spots with deposits so you’re not left with empty slots at the last minute.
Automate where you can
Use your dance studio software to handle sign-ups, send reminders, and track payments. It saves you hours of admin work and keeps you more present for your students.
Staff strategically
Bring in assistant or junior teachers to help with games, water breaks, and crafts so your lead teachers can focus on delivering great classes.
Marketing your summer dance camps without the usual noise
If you just post “summer dance camps – sign up now” on your social media and call it a day, you’re already lost in the crowd.
Instead, make your promotions feel as special as your camp. Here’s how you can do it:
Build anticipation
Run a fun countdown on Instagram stories or Facebook with a sneak peek of each camp theme.
Show last year’s success
If you’ve done camps before, post photos and videos from past years. Parents love seeing smiling, sweaty kids performing and having fun.
Early bird perks
Offer a small discount or bonus for families who book by a certain date. It builds urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) on discounted prices.
Reach out personally
Don’t forget email. Send a personalized message to families who attended last year or those who dropped off regular classes in spring. Camps are a great way to re-engage them.
Use your studio community
Encourage current families to refer a friend by offering small incentives, like a studio T-shirt or water bottle for every referral.
Remember, you’re not just selling summer dance classes. You’re giving families an easy, enriching way to keep their kids active, creative, and socially engaged over the summer.
Be present this summer
It’s easy to think of summer as the season to step back. But showing up and creating something special for your dancers strengthens your studio’s community and your reputation.
When parents and dancers see you active, creative, and engaged in summer, they’re much more likely to stay with you in fall. You’re building trust and loyalty with every camp you run.
Also, you are giving your teachers a chance to stretch creatively and keep their own passion for teaching alive.
And let’s be honest, your studio’s better full of laughter, music, and movement than sitting quiet and empty for weeks.
Make it easy on yourself
You already have the vision and the passion. Instead of stressing over the low attendance and drops, you just need motivation and an idea to re-engage people. And running a summer dance camp with the right tools and plan makes all the difference.
If you are looking for a way to manage registrations, take payments and automate reminders and keep everything organized, Wellyx dance studio software helps dance instructors and owners like you.
Final words
Summertime is your chance to be more present, more creative and more connected with your dance community. Don’t let it slip by. Plan camps that feel special, keep them simple, and show your dancers and their families that your studio is the place to beat the heat with a brand-new beat.
Your students will remember it, and so will you. And Wellyx dance studio software helps you bring it to life. Want to see it yourself?